SPEAK was founded in 2022 by seven students—Andy, Jinghan, Hannah, Grace, Darren, Albert, and Fred—who shared a passion for public speaking, debate, writing, and helping others. Coming from different backgrounds and bringing different strengths and experiences to the organization, the seven co-founders came together with a shared vision: to make communication education more accessible, enjoyable, and approachable for students of all experience levels. We understand that public speaking can be intimidating, especially for students who may not feel comfortable speaking in front of others. That is why SPEAK was created to be a place where students can practice, make mistakes, ask questions, and grow without fear of judgment.

Our classes are designed to be interactive and student-centered, giving students opportunities to participate in discussions, presentations, debates, writing exercises, and other activities that strengthen both communication and critical-thinking skills. Rather than simply teaching students what to say, we encourage them to think independently, develop their own ideas, and learn how to communicate those ideas in a clear and compelling way. We want students to leave each class feeling not only more prepared, but also more confident in their ability to express themselves.

At SPEAK, we believe that every student has a unique voice and the potential to become a great communicator. Whether a student is preparing for their first presentation, looking to improve their writing, interested in debate, or simply hoping to become more comfortable speaking in front of others, we strive to meet them where they are and help them take the next step. Our instructors draw from their own experiences in debate, journalism, leadership, and public speaking to provide practical guidance while making learning fun and approachable.

Most importantly, SPEAK is about creating a community. We hope to foster an environment where students support one another, celebrate progress, and learn together. Over time, our vision is to help students carry the confidence and communication skills they develop at SPEAK into every part of their lives—from the classroom and extracurricular activities to college, careers, and beyond. We are proud of the community we have built since 2022, and we look forward to continuing to help students find their voices, share their ideas, and become confident communicators.